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Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms pp 1246–1252Cite as

Lobate Debris Apron

Definition

Lobate debris aprons (LDA) are ice-rich flow features in the midlatitude (25–60°N and °S) regions of Mars that initially form at the base of isolated massifs, mesas, and escarpments and later flows downslope.

Category

A type of viscous flow feature in fretted terrain.

Synonyms

Circumferential aprons

Related Terms

Glacial flow, Integrated valley glaciers, Alpine glaciation, Debris-covered glaciers, Viscous flow features

Description

Large, thick accumulation of ice-rich debris at the base of high-standing features with a gently downsloped surface and a convex lobate terminus (in cross section) (Fig. 1). In planform, their shapes range from individual elongated lobes to widespread apron complexes with relatively straight terminal fronts (Fig. 2). Individual aprons or apron complexes often surround isolated mesas/plateaus, massifs, and along the base of valley walls or escarpment flanks (Fig. 3). Apron surfaces may have flow features that are concentric to the outer margin of...

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Planetary Science Institute, Tucson, AZ, USA

    Frank C. Chuang

Authors
  1. Frank C. Chuang
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Correspondence to Frank C. Chuang .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. NASA Ames Research Center/NPP, Moffett Field, CA, USA

    Henrik Hargitai

  2. Konkoly Thege Miklos Astronomical Institute, Research Centre for Astronomy and Earth Sciences, Budapest, Hungary

    Ákos Kereszturi

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Chuang, F.C. (2015). Lobate Debris Apron. In: Hargitai, H., Kereszturi, Á. (eds) Encyclopedia of Planetary Landforms. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-3134-3_489

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